President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Women Affairs Ministry’s Empower-Her: Nigeria for Women Farming, Health, Empowerment, Justice, Entertainment and Fund-raising Dinner at the State House, Abuja, the President emphasised the importance of addressing challenges women face.
The initiative, which is aimed at creating an enabling environment for women to fulfill their potential, received presidential endorsement as President Tinubu urged government and private sectors to join hands and support the programme.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu acknowledged the crucial role women play in agriculture, contributing over 70% of the labor force, and stressed the need for investment in agricultural training, access to land, and financial services for women farmers.
This, he believes, will increase their yield, improve livelihoods, and contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
He also highlighted health disparities affecting women and girls, with a focus on increasing access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
He said: “As the President of Nigeria, I am committed to advancing the cause of women empowerment and gender equality in our dear nation. Don’t forget my mother was a great market woman.
“Empowering women in agriculture must prioritize investment in agricultural training, access to land (This is critical) and financial services for women farmers.
“This will enable women to increase their yield, improve their livelihood and contribute to Nigeria’s food security. By doing so, we will unlock their full potential that will drive different economic growth.
“In our quest for justice and sustainability, we must ensure women have access to justice and are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination, which requires strengthening our institutions, promoting gender sensitive policies, and supporting women’s rural organizations.
“It is in view of this that this Empower-Her initiative solidly deepens the vision we have for our country. We must empower women, not just for their sake, but for the sake of our entire nation. When we have empowered families, communities are viable.
“I call on us both in the government and private sector to join hands and support and promote the Empower-Her initiative, which has created an enabling environment for every woman in Nigeria to fulfill her potential and contribute meaningfully to society.”